USPS Says Postage Increases Set to Take Effect in April

USPS expects most customers will be unaffected by the increase in postage. Although other postal services will go up, First Class Mail will remain at $0.44.

Price changes announced by the U.S. Postal Service in January will take effect April 17. This is the first USPS price change in two years and officials say that it will have minimal impact on retail customers who will continue to pay only 44 cents for a stamp.

“Postal Service products and services offer a great value to the American public,” said Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe. “For a very affordable price, you can send letters, bill payments, packages, and other mail across town or across the nation.”

Price changes of note for retail customers include the following:

First-Class Mail letters (1 oz.) remain unchanged at 44 cents,

First-Class Mail additional ounces increase to 20 cents

Postcards will cost 29 cents

Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) increase to 80 cents

Letters to other international destinations will remain unchanged at 98 cents

The 1.7 percent average increase is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index—although actual percentage price increases for various products and services vary.

Prices will also change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services. Larger volume business mailers will see price increases in a variety of categories. Detailed pricing information is available online at www.usps.com/prices.